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WO2019175553A1 - Système de captage d'énergie des vagues amélioré - Google Patents

Système de captage d'énergie des vagues amélioré Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019175553A1
WO2019175553A1 PCT/GB2019/050665 GB2019050665W WO2019175553A1 WO 2019175553 A1 WO2019175553 A1 WO 2019175553A1 GB 2019050665 W GB2019050665 W GB 2019050665W WO 2019175553 A1 WO2019175553 A1 WO 2019175553A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reservoir
wave energy
tube
energy capture
capture device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2019/050665
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Zsolt SZARKA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fortitudo Maris Ltd
Original Assignee
Fortitudo Maris Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fortitudo Maris Ltd filed Critical Fortitudo Maris Ltd
Publication of WO2019175553A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019175553A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
    • F03B13/18—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore
    • F03B13/188—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore and the wom is flexible or deformable
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/148—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the static pressure increase due to the wave
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/22—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the flow of water resulting from wave movements to drive a motor or turbine
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K15/00—Check valves
    • F16K15/14—Check valves with flexible valve members
    • F16K15/144—Check valves with flexible valve members the closure elements being fixed along all or a part of their periphery
    • F16K15/147—Check valves with flexible valve members the closure elements being fixed along all or a part of their periphery the closure elements having specially formed slits or being of an elongated easily collapsible form
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • B63B2035/4433—Floating structures carrying electric power plants
    • B63B2035/4466—Floating structures carrying electric power plants for converting water energy into electric energy, e.g. from tidal flows, waves or currents
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/20—Rotors
    • F05B2240/30—Characteristics of rotor blades, i.e. of any element transforming dynamic fluid energy to or from rotational energy and being attached to a rotor
    • F05B2240/31—Characteristics of rotor blades, i.e. of any element transforming dynamic fluid energy to or from rotational energy and being attached to a rotor of changeable form or shape
    • F05B2240/311—Characteristics of rotor blades, i.e. of any element transforming dynamic fluid energy to or from rotational energy and being attached to a rotor of changeable form or shape flexible or elastic
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for capturing wave energy, in particular from sub-surface waves.
  • Wave energy devices come in different forms.
  • One type of wave energy device utilises the rising and falling motion of waves, for example, utilising a buoyant member that acts against a stationary member anchored to the seafloor.
  • the rising and falling motion of waves are relatively predictable and regular in nature in deep sea (more than 100m depth) and so represent a relatively uncomplicated source from which wave energy can be extracted.
  • wave energy devices installed close to the shoreline must be more sensitive to environmental factors including marine life and human activities such as bathing and shipping. Turbines present problems such as blade strike and noise, the latter being particularly injurious to marine life that rely on echo location.
  • the device comprises a tube with a seawater inlet at an upstream end of the tube, and a downstream end of the tube is communicable with an energy utilisation means powered by seawater flow from the tube.
  • the details of such a device are described in greater detail within International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2017/052864, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent permissible by applicable law.
  • the present invention has been conceived as an improvement to such a wave energy capture device. Summary of the invention
  • a submersible wave energy capture system comprising a submersible reservoir, and a wave energy capture device.
  • the wave energy capture device may comprise at least one of: a tube and a plurality of one-way valves.
  • the wave energy device is fully- submersible.
  • the wave energy device may be arranged to capture energy from sub-surface waves.
  • the device comprises a tube with a seawater inlet at an upstream end of the tube.
  • a downstream end of the tube is communicable with an energy utilisation means via the reservoir.
  • the energy utilisation means may thus be powered by seawater flow from the tube.
  • the one-way valves may be arranged to divide the tube into a series of chambers.
  • the or each chamber comprises elastic walls. Ideally, these are deformable so as to alter an effective internal volume of the or each respective chamber.
  • each of the valves are arranged to open to permit water flow within the tube in a downstream direction.
  • each of the valves being arranged to close to resist water flow within the tube in an upstream direction.
  • At least one of the chambers are arranged to expand in response to water flow within the tube in a downstream direction into the at least one chamber.
  • valve proximal to the inlet is arranged to open in response to water flow into the inlet.
  • valve proximal to the inlet is arranged to close in response to water flow away from the inlet.
  • the inlet may comprise a funnel.
  • the device further comprises a water-permeable shell enveloping at least one of the chambers.
  • the shell may be arranged to limit the expansion of the elastic walls of the or each chamber.
  • the shell may comprise a mesh.
  • the use of the shell allows the material from which the elastic walls are constructed to be more responsive to water pressure changes, thereby increasing the energy capture capability of the device.
  • the elastic walls can be thinner or more elastic than otherwise practical in a marine environment where subsea wave forces are highly variable.
  • the use of a shell increases the sensitivity of the device to small forces without overtly increasing the liability of the device to damage from large forces.
  • the internal volume of a region of the shell enveloping a respective chamber substantially defines a maximum volume of said respective enveloped chamber.
  • chambers located closer to the upstream end have a large average outer circumference relative to chambers located closer to the downstream end.
  • the tube tapers inwardly from the upstream end to the downstream end.
  • the one-way valves located closer to the upstream end have a larger fluid flow aperture relative to one-way valves located closer to the downstream end.
  • the or each one-way valve comprises a plurality of flexible valve members, each being connected via a root portion of their periphery to an interior circumferential surface of the tube.
  • the or each one-way valve is a bicuspid or tricuspid valve.
  • the device may comprise an inlet filter.
  • the device may comprise an inlet cover.
  • the system may comprise a plurality of said wave energy capture devices.
  • the submersible reservoir comprises an outlet communicable with an energy utilisation means powered by seawater flow from the reservoir, and a plurality of intakes, each intake communicable with a respective wave energy capture device.
  • each of the wave energy capture devices at their downstream end, may be arranged to feed into a respective reservoir intake such that water flow within the tube of each wave energy capture device is channelled into the reservoir.
  • the reservoir is arranged to be anchored to a seabed in use.
  • the system comprises a platform, the platform being connected with the wave energy capture devices to hold them in place relative to a sea floor in use.
  • the platform may comprise a ramp portion shaped to funnel water currents into the seawater inlets of the wave energy capture devices.
  • the reservoir comprises an underside arranged to substantially conform to an underlying seabed to which the reservoir is anchored in use.
  • the reservoir further comprises a shell portion that surmounts and mantles the underside.
  • the shell portion and the underside of the reservoir connect to one another at a peripheral edge.
  • the peripheral edge may be defined by an acute angle between the shell portion and the underside of the reservoir.
  • the acute angle between the shell portion and the underside of the reservoir is less than 60 degrees. More preferably, the acute angle is less than 30 degrees.
  • the shape of the outer shell of the reservoir is relatively flat with its vertical height being less than a fifth of its width and length.
  • the plurality of wave energy capture devices are positioned adjacent to one another.
  • the plurality of wave energy capture devices may be positioned so their respective seawater inlets point radially-outwards from the reservoir.
  • the system may be an electrical energy generation system.
  • the system may comprise a turbine and an electrical generator.
  • the system may comprise one or more anchors for anchoring the devices and/or other components of the system to a sea floor.
  • the system may comprise one or more tethers for connecting between the anchors and the other components of the system.
  • the system may comprise an adjustable tether system for controlling the depth of the or each component.
  • a reservoir specifically adapted for use in conjunction with the system according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • a wave energy capture device specifically adapted for use in conjunction with the system according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • a method of capturing wave energy may comprise using the system (or components thereof) according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the method may comprise at least one of the steps of: providing a reservoir; providing a plurality of wave energy capture devices, each comprising a tube having an inlet at an upstream end of the tube, the tube being divided into a series of chambers by a plurality of one-way valves arranged to open to permit water flow within the tube in a downstream direction, and each of the valves being arranged to close to resist water flow within the tube in an upstream direction; submersing the devices and the reservoir into sea water; connecting a downstream end of each tube to the reservoir; and connecting an outlet of the reservoir to an energy utilisation means.
  • the features of the system described in relation to the first and/or second aspects of the present invention may be provided as part of the method described in relation to the third aspect of the present invention.
  • the method may comprise providing the water-permeable shell, and positioning it to envelope at least one of the chambers.
  • Figure 1 is a sectional schematic view of a sub-surface wave-powered electrical energy generation system incorporating a wave energy capture device useful for understanding the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of the wave energy capture device of Figure 1 in isolation
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged partial sectional schematic view of a representative series of chambers of the wave energy capture device of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of a sub-surface wave-powered electrical energy generation system incorporating a second wave energy capture device useful for understanding the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a schematic overhead view of a sub-surface wave-powered electrical energy generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the system comprising a reservoir and a plurality of wave energy capture devices as shown in Figures 1 to 4; and
  • Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the system of Figure 5. Specific description of the preferred embodiments
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional schematic view of an energy generation system 1 that is powered by a sub-surface sea waves.
  • the system 1 comprises an energy utilisation system 2 and a wave energy capture device 10.
  • the energy utilisation system 2 comprises an electrical generator 3, an electrical cable 3a, a load 3b, a turbine 4 and a pipe 6.
  • the electrical generator 3 is electrically coupled via the electrical cable 3a to the load 3b.
  • the electrical generator is mechanically powered by the turbine 4 which is, in turn, mechanically powered by water flow input to the turbine 4 from the pipe 6.
  • the turbine 4 comprises an exhaust 5 as a water outlet.
  • the pipe 6 channels water to the turbine 4 from a downstream end 10d of the wave energy capture device 10.
  • the wave energy capture device 10 comprises an elongate, tapered water tube 12 of a generally annular cross-section extending between the downstream end 10d and an upstream end 10u of the device 10. Accordingly, the tube 12 shares the same
  • downstream and upstream ends 10d, 10u as the device 10 in general.
  • a funnel-like inlet 11 is provided at the upstream end 10u.
  • the tube 12, and so the wave energy capture device 10 in general, follows a coiled shape similar to a nautilus shell. This is indicated in Figure 1 by dotted line 10s although it should be noted that dotted line 10s does not necessarily form part of the physical structure of the wave energy capture device 10, but rather is indicative of its general overall shape.
  • the tube 12 tapers inwardly towards the downstream end 10d, and comprises elastic walls that are substantially impermeable to water and are capable of deformation to alter the effective volume of the tube 12.
  • the wave energy capture device 10 further comprises a series of one-way valves that divide the tube 12 into a series of chambers. Only a first, second and third chamber 20, 30, 40 are shown representatively in Figure 1 , and these are those closest to the upstream end 10u in sequence. However, additional chambers between the upstream end 10u and downstream end 10d of the tube 12 exist. Each of the shown chambers 20, 30, 40 are headed by a corresponding first, second and third valve 21 , 31 , 41 , which are also representative of other valves present in the device 10, but omitted from Figure 1 for clarity.
  • each chamber has elastic walls deformable so as to alter an effective internal volume of that chamber.
  • a circumferential region of the tube 12 adjacent to each valve may be reinforced to prevent deformation or flex so as to maintain the reliability of operation of each respective valve.
  • valves located closer to the upstream end 10u have a larger fluid flow aperture relative to valves located closer to the downstream end 10d.
  • chambers located closer to the upstream end 10u have a larger average outer circumference relative to chambers located closer to the downstream end 10d.
  • the largest chamber 20 is that which is closest sequentially to the upstream end 10u, with the chamber 20 notionally capable of accommodating a larger volume of sea water per unit length than the subsequent chambers 30, 40, in the sequence. This is on the basis that the chambers 20, 30, 40 are subject to the same internal and external pressure. It should also be noted that in the case that the internal pressure of the chambers 20, 30, 40 are the same as one another, and also the pressure external to the device 10, the corresponding elastic walls portions 22, 32, 42 of each chamber are not deformed from their original unstressed position - as shown in Figure 1.
  • the device 10 also comprises a water-permeable shell 13 which is of a meshed construction, and positioned outside the tube 12.
  • a water-permeable shell 13 which is of a meshed construction, and positioned outside the tube 12.
  • This also broadly follows the same shell-like contour, but with sinuous bulges that are periodic in coincidence with a respective chamber 20, 30, 40 of the device.
  • the maximum circumference of each bulge approximately axially coincides with a middle of each chamber.
  • the shell 13 therefore has a series of regions, with each region of the shell enveloping a respective chamber.
  • the first chamber 20, as defined by the first and second valves 21 , 31 , and the first elastic wall portion 22, is enveloped by a first shell region 23.
  • the second chamber 30, as defined by the second and third valves 31 , 41 , and the second elastic wall portion 32, is enveloped by a second shell region 33.
  • the third chamber 40, as defined by the third valve 41 , a fourth valve (not shown), and the third elastic wall portion 42, is enveloped by a third shell region 43.
  • Each one-way valve in the present examples is in the form of a tricuspid valve, which are well-known in the art of prosthetic heart valves.
  • An example of such a tricuspid valve is disclosed in publication US 4222126, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent permissible by applicable law.
  • Each valve has three flexible valve members, each being connected via a root portion of their periphery to an interior circumferential surface of the tube 12.
  • the valves are only schematically represented in Figure 1 , and so only two of the three valve members are shown in Figure 1. However, referring to Figure 2, all three valve members 21a, 21b, 21c of the first valve 21 are represented. Subsequent valves in the sequence are also represented as having three valve members. Nonetheless, both Figure 1 and Figure 2 show isobaric conditions in which the elastic wall portion of each chamber is unstressed, and the valves are in a closed position, with the valve members biased towards one another and abutting to seal each chamber.
  • each valve is arranged to close in response to attempted water flow in the tube in an upstream direction towards the upstream end 10u. Thus each valve resists water flow in this upstream direction. Conversely, each valve is arranged to open in response to water flow within the tube in a downstream direction towards the downstream end 10d.
  • FIG. 3 is shown in isolation an enlarged sectional schematic view of a part of the device 10 having the first, second and third chambers 20, 30, 40. Again, only two of three valve members of each of the first, second and third valves 20, 30, 40 are shown.
  • the flow of water is concentrated by the funnel-like inlet 11 such that the water pressure upstream of the first valve 21 is greater than the water pressure downstream of that valve 21 inside the chamber 20.
  • This causes the valve members 21a, 21 b to part to allow the water to flow into the first chamber 20.
  • the increase in pressure internal to the chamber 20 relative to water pressure external to the chamber 20 causes the elastic wall portion 22 of the first chamber 20 to expand.
  • Water flow continues in a similar manner to the second chamber 30, and the third chamber 40 and so on, with the valve members 31a, 31 b, 41a, 41b parting to let water flow into the chambers 30, 40, and the respective elastic wall portions 32, 42 expanding in response to the increase in pressure within each chamber 30, 40.
  • each wall portion of the tube 12 is limited by a respective region of the shell 13.
  • the first wall portion 22 has its expansion limited by the first shell region 23
  • the second wall portion 32 has its expansion limited by the second shell region 33
  • the third wall portion 42 has its expansion limited by the third shell region 43.
  • the internal volume of a shell region enveloping a respective chamber substantially defines a maximum volume of said respective enveloped chamber.
  • valve members 21a, 21b Under a condition where a sub-surface wave is travelling in the opposite direction away from the inlet 11 , and there is a greater pressure inside the first chamber 20 relative to the pressure directly external to the inlet 11 , the valve members 21a, 21b will close against one another, preventing external outflow from the first chamber 20. Similarly, if the pressure within any upstream chamber is less than the pressure within an adjacent downstream chamber, the valve between those adjacent chambers will close to prevent water flow in an upstream direction toward the upstream end 10u.
  • the first device described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 is coiled in such a manner that does not overly interfere with water flow through the tube 12 of the device 10, but greatly facilitates transport and installation of the device 10, which involves anchoring the device 10 to the sea floor.
  • the device 10 does not necessarily need to be coiled.
  • Figure 4 shows a second alternative arrangement in which the device 10 is extended linearly.
  • This alternative arrangement has the same principle features and characteristics as the first, with the same reference numerals being used to denote like features.
  • the device 10 of this second arrangement is schematically shown in Figure 4 as having ten chambers 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of a sub-surface wave-powered electrical energy generation system 1 that incorporates a linear version, rather than a coiled version of the wave energy capture device 10 already described.
  • the system 1 comprises the energy utilisation means 2 as already described in relation to the first example.
  • the system 1 is additionally shown in Figure 4 to comprises an inlet filter 14, and an inlet cover 15.
  • the inlet filter 14 is shown separate to the inlet 11 , however, in practice, is positioned over the inlet 11 to prevent ingress into the tube 12 of objects such as sea debris and marine life.
  • the inlet cover 15 is also positionable over the inlet 11 to control the wave power received by the device, a partial covering letting in a part of the total wave power otherwise channelled into the device 10.
  • the inlet filter 14 and the inlet cover 15 are also provided as part of the first coiled version of the device, even if they are not explicitly shown in Figures 1 to 3.
  • the device can become necessary to control the depth of the device 10.
  • the device may be moved closer to the surface so that the more pronounced ebb-and-flow power of the sub-surface waves closer to the surface are sufficient to enable the device 10 to operate efficiently.
  • the device 10 may be connected to one or more anchor points on the sea floor via an adjustable tether system.
  • an adjustable tether system As wave energy increases beyond a predetermined amount the adjustable tether system can be configured to automatically draw the device towards the sea floor to prevent damage. Conversely as wave energy reduces, the adjustable tether system can be configured to automatically release the device so that it can rise towards the surface.
  • Such an adjustable tether system may be powered mechanically by the wave energy and so the depth of the device may be proportional to the wave power.
  • the adjustable tether system may be electrically powered, at least in part.
  • the wave energy device 10 may have a predetermined buoyancy that optimises the forces required to control its depth and the rate of change of depth responsive to sudden changes in wave energy. This can be achieved, at least in part, via provision of buoyancy devices acting upon the wave energy device. These may be in the form of surface and/or sub-surface buoys that attached to the wave energy device 10, for example, via buoy lines.
  • the provision of surface buoys can serve to both control the depth of the wave energy device, and also provide a way of easily indicating the location of the wave energy device.
  • the wave energy device is less likely to be damaged unintentionally by shipping traffic, and can be more easily located for servicing.
  • devices 10 may be positioned at predetermined and fixed depths.
  • one or more of the covers 15 may be provided. During periods of high wave activity, it is envisaged that the cover 15 would protect devices positioned at a shallower depth.
  • the covering may be diverted to devices at a deeper location. This would be to prevent the operation of such deeper located devices at sub-optimal efficiencies rather than to protect them.
  • Such a cover may be driven by an adjustment system similar to that described above relating to the adjustable tether system; either mechanically-powered solely from wave energy or incorporating an electrically-powered aspect.
  • a device 10 is to be located at a fixed depth, this may achieved by attaching it to a platform hugging the sea floor. Such a platform may have embedded within it, or be arranged to otherwise protect, the energy utilisation means 2 powered by the device. In such "fixed-depth" versions, buoys may nonetheless be provided as a means to indicate the location of the wave energy device.
  • the inventor of the present invention has derived inspiration from the human
  • the device 10 with its elastic wall 12 and tricuspid valves, mimics aspects and advantages of the cardiovascular system.
  • the wave energy capture device 10 able to convert arrhythmic and unpredictable ebb-and-flow sub surface wave power, prevalent near a shoreline, into a more predictable and regular flow of water. This can be channelled to power a turbine 4 optimised to efficiently convert such a regular flow of water into electricity.
  • a plurality of wave energy devices 10 may be provided as part of a system for electrical energy generation.
  • the output stream of water from the downstream end 10d of multiple devices can be combined into a single pipe 6 to feed the turbine 4 with an even more regular flow of water power than possible from a single device 10 according to the present invention.
  • the increase in regularity is due to an averaging effect of the combination of individual streams.
  • the wave energy capture system 1a of the present embodiment comprises a plurality of wave energy capture devices 10 similar to the linear variant already described above. Additionally, the system 1a comprises a submersible reservoir 7 which has a plurality of intakes 8, each coupled to one of the respective wave energy capture device 10. In the present embodiment, the reservoir 7 further comprises a single outlet 9 which is coupled to an energy utilisation means 2 also as described above, although it will be appreciated that in alternatives plural outlets may be provided.
  • the main energy utilisation means 2 envisaged comprises a turbine, and it is preferred that this is adapted with consideration to the flow and pressure ranges and characteristics of the system 1a. Moreover, a turbine, or set of turbines are specifically chose so that power from the water can be captured in the most efficient manner.
  • Kaplan turbines may be used, and are typically suitable for high flow, low head conditions.
  • the set of wave energy capture devices 10 are positioned adjacent to one another.
  • the devices 10 are also aligned in corresponding orientations with one another, and also aligned with the principal direction of sub-surface ebb-and-flow currents that move reciprocally along the sea floor.
  • they are positioned with their funnel-like intakes 8 pointing away from the shoreline, and generally radially- outwards away from the reservoir.
  • Other configurations may be possible, for example, with the devices 10 being disposed in slightly diverging orientations (e.g. fan-like, rather than straight).
  • These devices 10 are of a "fixed-depth” version that are held in place relative to the sea floor via a platform P.
  • the platform P is constructed from a dense material, such as marine-grade concrete, that easily sinks and so keeps the devices 10 firmly in place despite sub-sea currents. Furthermore, the material may be self-healing to counteract the otherwise damaging effects of the marine environment (e.g. expansion and micro cracking).
  • the platform may be anchored or otherwise countersunk in part into the seabed SB.
  • the platform P comprises a ramp portion PR which tapers gradually between a region proximal to the funnel-like intakes 8 of the devices 10, and a distal region of the platform P. This smoothly deflects sub-surface currents that move parallel to the sea floor upwards, guiding water inflow into the funnel-like intakes 8. Accordingly, the ramp portion PR of the platform P effectively forms a funnel itself.
  • the platform P may additionally overhang and so retain a part of the reservoir 7.
  • the reservoir 7 comprises an underside 7a substantially conforming to the shape of the underlying seabed SB, and a dome-shaped shell portion 7b that surmounts the underside 7a and forms together with it a substantially sealed chamber.
  • the reservoir 7 has a rigidity that ensures that the effective volume of the chamber is not significantly altered by differences in pressure between the interior and exterior of the reservoir, nor by marine influences acting on the shell portion, such as changes in tides and currents. Accordingly, an internal pressure of the reservoir can be made to be relatively independent of pressure external to the reservoir. Moreover, the pressure of the water entering the reservoir via the inlets 8 is directly correlated with the pressure of the water leaving via the outlet 9 of the reservoir 7.
  • Parts of the reservoir 7, such as the underside, and the shell portion 7b in particular is typically constructed from a thermoplastic polymer material such as polycarbonate.
  • the material is transparent, or translucent to improve the aesthetic appeal of the reservoir in the shallow waters in which it is primarily intended to be deployed.
  • the exact shape of the shell portion 7b and the underside 7a are manufactured with regard to the shape of the specific installation location of the reservoir 7 and the system 1a as a whole.
  • a 3D scan of the seabed is carried out, and the resulting 3D model is used to shape the underside 7a of the reservoir 7 in conformity.
  • the underside 7b of the reservoir 7 may be 3D printed, for example.
  • the shell portion 7b and the underside 7a connect to one another at a peripheral edge of the reservoir 7 which is generally positioned at the seabed such that the shell portion 7b mantles and protects the underside 7a of the reservoir 7, including the underlying seabed SB, from the influence of waves and currents.
  • the peripheral edge is defined by an acute angle between the shell portion and the underside of the reservoir. The size of the angle may vary along the peripheral edge, but will typically be between 20 and 60 degrees.
  • the outer surface of the shell portion 7b forms a large reflex angle relative to the surrounding seabed, in most regions being greater than 120 degrees.
  • the shape of the outer shell of the reservoir is relatively flat with its vertical height H (in a direction transverse to a plane extending substantially along the underside 7a and seabed) is a fraction of its width W or length L (as measured parallel to that plane). The fraction may be as large as a third in some variants, but generally, the fraction is preferred to be less than one fifth.
  • a cross-sectional area of the reservoir is a small percentage of the area of outer surface of the shell.
  • the reservoir 7 extends along the seabed rather than rising significantly above it.
  • the reservoir 7 comprises anchors 7c located at the peripheral edge of the reservoir 7 which hold the reservoir 7 in place on the seabed SB.
  • anchors 7c Whilst only four anchors 7c are schematically shown in Figure 5, it will be appreciated that a greater number of anchors are generally employed. Furthermore, the anchors 7b extend vertically down into the seabed to a predetermined depth to ensure reliable securement of the reservoir 7 relative to the seabed.
  • the peripheral edge of the reservoir 7 defines a circular shape approximately 30 metres in diameter.
  • the reservoir is fed by four wave energy capture devices 10 each having funnel-like inlets 11 of approximately 3-4 metres in diameter.
  • the reservoir 7, and the majority of the principle components of the wave energy capture system 1a of the present embodiment are located in relatively shallow waters, close to the shoreline; approximately 10 metres below the surface of the water.
  • the reservoir comprises a temporary set of holes (not shown) distributed across and defined within the shell portion 7b and also the underside 7a. These allow the reservoir 7 to be easily transported via a seafaring transport vessel, and then submersed into position on the seabed SB, with seawater flowing through the holes as the reservoir 7 sinks. Naturally, once the reservoir is at the correct position, the temporary set of holes are plugged.
  • the shell portion 7b, and the underside 7a may be manufactured as two independent pieces, and remain decoupled from one another during storage and transportation of the reservoir 7.
  • this can enable efficient transportation and installation, especially of multiple reservoirs and systems 1a.
  • multiple shell portions 7b having complementary sizes and shapes can be stacked in a nested and space-saving arrangement during transport and storage.
  • a shell portion 7b and a corresponding underside 7a are connected to one another, for example after each have been submersed to the
  • the shell portion 7b, and the underside 7a have complementary engagement formations that interlock the shell portion 7b and the underside 7a to one another, and form a seal between them.
  • the underside 7a of the reservoir 7 itself may not necessarily need to be predominantly constructed of a material that is as rigid as the shell portion 7b. Instead, the relative rigidity of the underlying seabed SB can be advantageously utilised to reinforce the underside 7a to ensure that the reservoir 7 maintains a relatively constant volume and is sealed against unintentional fluid ingress or egress.
  • the underside 7a of the reservoir may be constructed, at least in part, of an impermeable, flexible, puncture-resistant membrane.
  • inflatable "rib” boats may be suitable (e.g. marine-grade polyvinylchloride).
  • the firm fixing of the reservoir 7 to the seabed SB becomes particularly important for the proper functioning of the reservoir 7, and in particular, to maintain a relatively constant volume when there is a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the reservoir 7.
  • the flexible membrane is liable to expand outwards, and press against the seabed SB, and potentially cause the reservoir 7 to lift away from the seabed SB if it is not held firmly in position.
  • anchors 7c may be used, and these may be countersunk into the seabed at a greater depth than otherwise. Additionally, a greater number of anchors 7c may be used, and these may be countersunk into the seabed at a greater depth than otherwise. Additionally, a greater number of anchors 7c may be used, and these may be countersunk into the seabed at a greater depth than otherwise. Additionally, a greater number of anchors 7c may be used, and these may be countersunk into the seabed at a greater depth than otherwise. Additionally, a
  • circumferential lip of the shell portion 7b adjacent to the peripheral edge of the reservoir may also be countersunk into the seabed to minimise the chance of the reservoir 7 being dislodged. Furthermore, it is desirable to choose a material that has relatively little elasticity to minimise the extent of expansion against the seabed SB.
  • embodiments incorporating a flexible membrane can be more cost-effective than those having a relatively rigid underside, and also further facilitate transportation and installation.
  • Another way to counteract the problem of an expanding membrane pressing against the seabed SB is to attach it relative to the shell portion 7b in a way that minimises the force imparted by the expanding membrane against seabed SB.
  • the membrane may be attached at a location that spaces it, at least in part, from the seabed SB. This ensures that reliance need not be solely placed on the seabed SB to maintain a regular volume (assuming an overpressure within the reservoir) but this can be provided also or instead by the tension within the expanded membrane itself.
  • the shell portion 7b may also comprise a relatively flexible, impermeable, puncture-resistant membrane. This may be provided together with a relatively rigid underside 7a as first described, or both the shell portion 7b and the underside 7a may comprise relatively flexible membranes.
  • a degree of elasticity in the membrane may be acceptable, or even useful as this can serve as a way to further regularise the supply of pressure to the outlet 9 coupled to an energy utilisation means 2.
  • multi-cuspid valves are used in the above-described wave energy capture devices, and are generally preferred due to the similarities and advantages associated with a cardiovascular system
  • alternative one-way valves are possible substitutions. These may have flexible valve members. Alternatively, they may have guided rigid valve members, for example shaped as balls, rings, or hinged, optionally being spring-loaded towards a closed state.
  • the present embodiments are directed towards utilising the energy from the water flow output from the device to generate electricity.
  • this kinetic power may be used in other ways, for example directly driving machinery, or other ways known in the art.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des procédés, un système et des dispositifs permettant de capter l'énergie des vagues. Un dispositif de captage d'énergie des vagues submersible (10) comprend un tube (12) et une pluralité de vannes unidirectionnelles (21, 31, 41). Le tube (12) a une entrée d'eau de mer (11) au niveau de son extrémité amont (10u). L'extrémité aval (10d) du tube (12) peut communiquer avec un réservoir (7), qui en retour peut communiquer avec un moyen d'utilisation d'énergie (2) alimenté par l'écoulement d'eau de mer à travers le tube (12). Les vannes unidirectionnelles (21, 31, 41) divisent le tube (12) en une série de chambres (20, 30, 40). Les chambres comprennent des parois élastiques (22, 32, 42). Celles-ci sont déformables de manière à modifier un volume interne effectif de chaque chambre respective (20, 30, 40). Les vannes (21, 31, 41), s'ouvrent pour permettre un écoulement d'eau à l'intérieur du tube (12) dans une direction aval, et se ferment pour résister à un écoulement d'eau à l'intérieur du tube (12) dans une direction amont. Le réservoir (7) peut être alimenté par une pluralité de dispositifs de captage d'énergie de vagues (10).
PCT/GB2019/050665 2018-03-12 2019-03-11 Système de captage d'énergie des vagues amélioré Ceased WO2019175553A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1803889.3 2018-03-12
GB1803889.3A GB2571936B (en) 2018-03-12 2018-03-12 Improved wave energy capture system

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019175553A1 true WO2019175553A1 (fr) 2019-09-19

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4172689A (en) * 1977-12-14 1979-10-30 Ivar Thorsheim Wave power generator
WO2002066829A1 (fr) * 2001-02-09 2002-08-29 Miljø-Produkter As Dispositif generateur entraine par la houle
US20110227345A1 (en) * 2010-05-28 2011-09-22 Richard Thomas Cannarella System and method for generating and storing clean energy
WO2014027295A1 (fr) * 2012-08-15 2014-02-20 Swart Edmund Charles Convertisseur d'énergie des vagues
WO2018055412A1 (fr) * 2016-09-26 2018-03-29 Fortitudo Maris Ltd Système de captage de l'énergie des vagues

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5149179B2 (ja) * 2005-08-02 2013-02-20 ガウス、シェド、モハメッド 自由浮遊波力エネルギーコンバータ
SE529687C2 (sv) * 2007-01-22 2007-10-23 Daniel Ehrnberg Vågkraftsaggregat

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4172689A (en) * 1977-12-14 1979-10-30 Ivar Thorsheim Wave power generator
WO2002066829A1 (fr) * 2001-02-09 2002-08-29 Miljø-Produkter As Dispositif generateur entraine par la houle
US20110227345A1 (en) * 2010-05-28 2011-09-22 Richard Thomas Cannarella System and method for generating and storing clean energy
WO2014027295A1 (fr) * 2012-08-15 2014-02-20 Swart Edmund Charles Convertisseur d'énergie des vagues
WO2018055412A1 (fr) * 2016-09-26 2018-03-29 Fortitudo Maris Ltd Système de captage de l'énergie des vagues

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GB2571936B (en) 2020-10-28
GB201803889D0 (en) 2018-04-25
GB2571936A (en) 2019-09-18

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